A.J. Price Looks Forward, But Also Looks Back At Jim Calhoun's Influence

Jim Calhoun forced A.J. Price to be more than a basketball player. "I definitely didn't plan to get emotional, it just happened," Price said of speaking at the former coach's tribute at Gampel Pavilion last month.

"I just think the older I got and becoming more of a man — I'm a father now myself — I understood and appreciate everything Coach has done for me. That all came rushing at me a million miles an hour."

Price, 27, is trying to catch on with the Minnesota Timberwolves as a training camp invitee. Minnesota has 14 players under contract for the 2013-14, leaving one open roster spot. The Timberwolves' starting point guard will be Ricky Rubio. Behind him is Alexey Shved, a 6-foot-6 combo guard from Russia who was impressive in his rookie season. Combined, Rubio and Shved have played 175 NBA games. Price's next game would be his 208th, so he has more experience and is willing to help them learn.

"That's definitely my role," Price said. "I've been a student of the game for a very long time, I'll do anything I can to help these guys in any way, shape or form. Those guys help me, too; it is all about being professional."

Price's route from UConn to the NBA was filled with challenges. A life-threatening intracranial brain hemorrhage kept him out of the 2004-05 season. He was suspended for the 2005-06 season for his role in the theft of laptops on campus. He received accelerated rehabilitation in court proceedings (probation, community service).

At the end of the following season, he tore an ACL in an NCAA Tournament loss to San Diego in March 2007. He averaged close to 15 points in each of his final two seasons and was drafted in the second round by the Indiana Pacers in 2009.

After spending his first three seasons as a reserve for Indiana, Price had his best statistical year last season, playing in Washington backing up John Wall. Price posted career highs in games (57), starts (22), minutes (1,278), three-point percentage (35 percent), rebounds (114), points average (7.7) and assists (205). In the process, he earned the respect of the league's former No. 1 overall pick.

"A.J. is a great person, a great teammate, was a great person to be around. He was really dedicated and worked hard," Wall said. "I've been watching him since he was at UConn, so it was great to have him as a mentor, and it is great to see him with another team. I just wish him the best of luck."

Since the Wolves broke training camp, Price has been efficient. He has averaged less than 10 points in 15.3 minutes with six assists. Entering his fifth season in the league, Price feels that his game is finally growing up as well.

"I'm just now getting into my prime really," he said. "Twenty-seven is around the age guys start peaking and playing their best basketball. This will be my fifth year in the league, so I have an expectation and a grasp of the game. I think I got a good handle on it now."

"He just never turns the ball over, he is a great point guard," Wall said. "He has a steady pace, you are not going to speed him up and he can definitely shoot the ball."

The Timberwolves ranked 24th in field-goal percentage and last in three-point percentage a year ago, so Price's shooting ability could help him stick. However, Price isn't the only one trying to get the roster spot before Minnesota opens the regular season Oct. 30 at the Target Center against Orlando. Former Purdue standout Robbie Hummel; Lorenzo Brown, a 2013 second-round pick out of North Carolina State; and Othyus Jeffers, a 28-year-old journeyman, are trying for the same spot.

"The thing about my entire career is, nothing has come easy for me, I've had to fight, that's pretty much all I know," said Price. "As the 52nd pick, the third point guard in Indiana, I was in a very similar position my rookie year. More than anything you want to show the team you want it, you're hungry. They pretty much know what you can be as a player, you have to show them the right approach and right attitude. I think I've done that."